Where is Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is a coastal city in northeastern Massachusetts and part of the Greater Boston area. Located in Essex County, it sits about 16 miles northeast of downtown Boston. The city is famous for its 1692 witch trials, historic waterfront, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and well-preserved historic neighborhoods along Massachusetts Bay.

Location Map of Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts

About Map: The map shows the location of Salem in Essex County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Salem Map, Massachusetts

Where is Salem Located?

Salem is a city located in Essex County, Massachusetts, the United States. It lies on the North Shore of Massachusetts Bay, about 16 miles northeast of downtown Boston and roughly 5 miles south of Gloucester. Beverly is across the harbor to the north, while Peabody is immediately west. Salem is positioned near 42.520° North latitude and 70.896° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 44,480 residents. The city covers about 18.30 square miles, or 47.40 square kilometers, including substantial water area. Salem was settled in 1626 and incorporated as a city in 1836. Its long maritime history helped make it an important colonial trading port, while the Salem witch trials of 1692 became one of the most widely remembered events in early American history. A unique feature of Salem is the concentration of historic sites connected to the witch trials, maritime trade, and colonial life. The city is home to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, The House of the Seven Gables, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Salem also has a working waterfront, parks, historic homes, and access to beaches along Massachusetts Bay. The city is well connected to Boston by commuter rail and ferry service. Massachusetts Route 114 and nearby Route 128 provide road access to Boston, the North Shore, and communities throughout eastern Massachusetts.

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Salem City Facts

Distance from Salem, MA to Nearby Cities

• Beverly, MA – 3 miles (5 km)
• Peabody, MA – 4 miles (6 km)
• Danvers, MA – 6 miles (10 km)
• Marblehead, MA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Lynn, MA – 7 miles (11 km)
• Swampscott, MA – 6 miles (10 km)
• Gloucester, MA – 17 miles (27 km)
• Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA – 12 miles (19 km)
• Revere, MA – 12 miles (19 km)
• Boston, MA – 16 miles (26 km)
• Cambridge, MA – 18 miles (29 km)
• Woburn, MA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Malden, MA – 14 miles (23 km)
• Quincy, MA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Lowell, MA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Lawrence, MA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Portsmouth, NH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Worcester, MA – 55 miles (89 km)

Top Attractions in Salem

• Salem Witch Trials Memorial – A memorial honoring the people accused and executed during the Salem witch trials of 1692.
• Salem Maritime National Historic Site – A National Park Service site preserving historic waterfront buildings, ships, and stories from Salem's maritime trading era.
• Peabody Essex Museum – A major museum featuring American, Asian, maritime, and decorative arts along with historic properties.
• The House of the Seven Gables – A historic waterfront house made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel and connected to Salem's colonial history.
• Salem Witch Museum – A museum presenting the history and context of the Salem witch trials through exhibits and presentations.
• Old Burying Point Cemetery – One of Salem's oldest burial grounds and the resting place of several people connected to the city's colonial history.
• Witch House – The former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and one of Salem's most recognizable surviving buildings associated with the 1692 trials.
• Salem Willows Park – A waterfront park with walking areas, amusement attractions, picnic spaces, and views of Salem Harbor.
• Winter Island Park – A coastal recreation area with beaches, camping, walking paths, historic Fort Pickering, and views of Salem Harbor.

Airports Near Salem, MA

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 15 miles
• Beverly Regional Airport (BVY) – 8 miles
• Lawrence Municipal Airport (LWM) – 25 miles
• Hanscom Field (BED) – 30 miles
• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – 45 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Salem city website and local government records.

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